Quod Multum

On the Liberty of the Church
His Holiness Pope Leo XIII
August 22, 1886

To the Bishops of Hungary.

Venerable Brothers, Greetings and Apostolic Benediction.

WE HAVE LONG AND ARDENTLY DESIRED an opportunity to address you with an
apostolic letter. Just as We have addressed the bishops of many other
nations, We desire to inform you of Our plans, which concern the prosperity
of the Christian cause and the salvation of the Hungarian nation. These
days present Us with an excellent opportunity, since Hungary is celebrating
the liberation, two centuries ago, of Budapest.--That victory will stand
out forever in the memory of the Hungarian people. It was granted to your
ancestors, because of their strength and perseverance, to recapture their
capital city, which for a century and a half had been occupied by their
enemies. That the grace and memory of this divine blessing might remain,
Pope Innocent XI justly decreed a celebration throughout all Christendom in
honor of St. Stephen, the first of your apostolic kings, on the second day
of September, the anniversary of this great event. Moreover it is well-
known that the Apostolic See took a significant part in the almost
spontaneous victory three years before over the same foe at Vienna. This
victory, rightly attributed in great part to the apostolic efforts of Pope
Innocent, began the decline of the influence of the Mohammedans in Europe.-
-Besides, even before that age and under similar circumstances, Our
predecessors assisted the Hungarian forces with counsel, aid, money, and
treaties. From Callistus III to Innocent XI, many Roman Pontiffs are
recorded whose names deserve to be honored for their activity in such
affairs. Let Clement VIII serve as an example. When Stregan and Vincentgraz
were liberated from the domination of the Turks, the highest councils of
the kingdom decreed that public thanks be given to him for he alone had
come to their aid opportunely at a time when the situation was almost
beyond hope.-Therefore, just as the Apostolic See never failed the people
of Hungary whenever they had to fight the enemies of religion and Christian
morality, so now, when happy memories inspire the people, We gladly join
you in sharing their joy. Taking into account the differing conditions of
time, We desire to confirm the people in their profession of the Catholic
faith and also to assist them in warding off common dangers. In this way We
shall serve the public good.

2. Hungary herself knows that no gift of God either to individuals or to
nations is greater then to receive by His grace the Catholic faith, and
having received it, to keep it with perseverance. This gift contains an
abundance of other gifts by means of which individual persons receive both
eternal happiness in heaven and greatness and prosperity for their state on
earth. When Stephen first clearly grasped this truth, he asked God for
nothing more vehemently, indeed he labored for nothing more energetically
and consistently, than to obtain the Catholic faith for his whole kingdom
and to establish it on a firm foundation from the very beginning. Therefore
very early he began a change of studies and offices among the Roman
bishops, the kings, and the people of Hungary which future ages did not
abolish. Stephen founded and built a kingdom, but received his crown only
from the Roman Pontiff, for he wanted to offer his kingdom to the Apostolic
See. He established many Episcopal Sees, endowing munificently, and
founding piously. Accompanying these many good works was the good pleasure
and indulgence of the Apostolic See in many matters altogether singular.
From his faith and piety, this holy king drew the light of counsel and the
best norms for ruling his kingdom. He acquired his strength from diligence
in prayer, by which he put down the evil plots of public enemies and
returned as victor from the attacks of his foes.--Thus under the auspices
of religion, your state was born. Under the same guardian and leader, you
have come at quick march not only to maturity, but also to the strength of
empire and the glory of your name. Hungary has kept holy and inviolate the
faith received from her king and parent as an inheritance, and this despite
the great difficulties of the times, when neighboring nations were drawn
from the bosom of the Church by pernicious error. Faith, obedience and
devotion to the Apostolic See have remained constant in kings, bishops, and
all the people. In turn We see the predilection and paternal benevolence of
the Roman Pontiffs for the Hungarian people confirmed by many testimonies.
Today after many centuries and many events, the original intimate
friendship remains, by the blessing of God. The virtues of your ancestors
are by no means lacking in their descendants. There are many laudable and
fruitful labors of the episcopate: relief in calamities, zealous defense of
the rights of the Church, and your constant and courageous determination to
preserve the Catholic faith.

3. When We recall these things, Our soul is filled with joy. To you and to
the people of Hungary, We gladly pay the tribute of praise for things well
done.--But We cannot remain silent. Everyone knows how inimical to virtue
these times are and how the Church is attacked. We have much to fear amid
such dangers, lest a shaken faith languish even where it has taken strong
and deep roots. It is enough to recall rationalism and naturalism, those
deadly sources of evil whose teachings are everywhere freely distributed.
We must then add the many allurements to corruption: the opposition to or
open defection from the Church by public officials, the bold obstinacy of
secret societies, here and there a curriculum for the education of youth
without regard for God.--And if ever, then surely now is the time to
realize not only how appropriate, but entirely necessary the Catholic
religion is for public safety and tranquillity. Daily experience proves to
what lengths they who fear no authority nor have ever restrained their
passions will go to undermine the state. Indeed, everyone knows what they
intend, what means they employ, and with what perseverance they labor. The
mightiest empires and the most flourishing states are compelled to contend
almost every hour with such societies of men, joined together in unity of
intention and likeness of deeds. Thus, the public safety is always in
danger. Against such audacity of evil men, a good plan has been perfected
in some places, that the authority of magistrates and the force of laws be
well prepared.

4. Nevertheless to restrain the danger of socialism there is only one
genuinely effective means, in the absence of which the fear of punishment
has little weight to discourage offenders. It is that citizens should be
thoroughly educated in religion, and restrained by respect for and love of
the Church. For the Church as parent and teacher is the holy guardian of
religion, moral integrity, and virtue. All who follow the precepts of the
Gospel religiously and entirely are, by this very fact, far from the
suspicion of socialism. For religion commands us to worship and fear God
and to submit to and obey legitimate authority. It forbids anyone to act
seditiously and demands for everyone the security of his possessions and
rights. It furthermore commands those who have wealth to come graciously to
the aid of the poor. Religion aids the needy with all the works of charity
and consoles those who suffer loss, enkindling in them the hope of the
greatest eternal blessings which will be in proportion to the labor endured
and the length of that labor.-Therefore those who rule the states will do
nothing wiser and more opportune than to recognize that religion influences
the people despite all obstacles and recalls them to virtue and uprightness
of character through her teachings. To distrust the Church or hold it
suspect is, in the first place, unjust, and in the second, profits no one
except the enemies of civil discipline and those bent on destruction.

5. By the blessing of God great civil unrest and the gathering of fearsome
mobs, which have occurred elsewhere, have been spared the people of
Hungary. But threatening dangers force all of us to strive by daily zeal to
assure that the name of religion flourishes there and that honor endures in
its Christian institutions.--For this reason the Church should enjoy full
and integral freedom in the whole kingdom of Hungary as it did in former
times, and this for the common good. As for Us, We are most anxious that
those things which conflict with the rights of the Church, diminish its
liberty of action, and impede the profession of the faith be removed from
the laws. To attain this end both We and you must constantly labor, as far
as We legally can and as so many illustrious men have already done.
Meanwhile, as long as these laws remain, it is your duty to see to it that
they injure the common security as little as possible and to admonish the
citizens what they have to do in this matter. We shall mention some
statutes which seem more injurious than others.

6. To embrace religion is a most serious duty, which is not to be
restricted by age. No age is unfit for the kingdom of God. As everyone
knows this, so he ought to act without delay, for from the will to act is
born the right to act for everyone, which cannot be violated without the
greatest injury. Therefore, if pastors of souls are forced to make a choice
in the matter, they must choose to endure the penalties prescribed by civil
law rather than provoke the wrath of an avenging God.

7. You must labor, venerable brothers, that Catholic teaching about the
sanctity, oneness, and perpetuity of matrimony takes firm root in souls.
Remind the faithful frequently that the marriage of Christians is subject
solely to ecclesiastical authority. Remind them also what the Church thinks
and teaches concerning so called civil marriage and with what mind and
heart Catholic people should obey such laws. Further remind them that even
for the gravest of reasons it is not permitted to enter into marriage with
Christians who are not Catholics; those who do so without the authority and
indulgence of the Church sin before God and the Church. Since these issues
are so vital, all who have a concern in this matter should most diligently
see to it, as far as they can, that no one sins here for any reason. For in
this especially, obedience to the Church is necessarily bound to the public
interest. This is the reason why the beginnings and best principles of
civil life depend in great part on domestic society, so that the peace and
prosperity of the state result in large part from marriage. Nor can
marriage succeed except under the care of God and the Church. Deprived of
such care and entered upon contrary to the will of God, matrimony is
reduced to the service of various passions, is deprived of necessary
heavenly aids, and is despoiled of that common life which is of greatest
concern to man, i.e., religion. Of necessity it produces bitter fruit, to
the great harm of the family and of the state. For this reason We must
commend those Catholic men who, when the legislative assembly of Hungary
was asked two years ago whether it would consider the marriage of
Christians with Jews valid, rejected the proposal unanimously and freely
and succeeded in having the old marriage law retained. Their vote received
the approval of the vast majority of people from all parts of Hungary,
proving with admirable testimony that the people thought and felt as they
did. May there be like consent and similar constancy whenever the Catholic
cause is in controversy, for then victory will be at hand. At least civil
life will be more vigorous and fruitful when languor and sloth have been
banished, for these are the means by which the enemies of the Christian
name certainly wish to stupefy all Catholic virtue.

8. Nor will less profit accrue to the state if the education of youth is
wisely and rightly provided for from the beginning. Such are the times and
customs that too many people with too much effort strive to keep studious
youth away from the vigilance of the Church and the salutary virtue of
religion. Schools called neuter, mixed, and lay are popular and sought out
here and there, doubtless with the intention that the students grow up
ignorant of all things holy and of all religious concerns. Since this evil
is more widespread and greater than its remedies, we see a progeny growing
up uninterested in spiritual goods, without religion and often impious.
Keep so great a calamity out of Hungary with all your energy! The education
of youth from childhood in Christian habits and Christian wisdom is today
of the greatest possible concern not only to the Church, but also to the
state. All who are truly wise understand this. That is why We see many
Catholic men in many places who are deeply concerned about the proper
upbringing of youth, devoting special and constant effort to this matter,
undismayed by the greatness of the labor or by the cost. We also know of
many in Hungary who are working toward the same goal with similar
proposals. Permit Us nevertheless to rouse your episcopal zeal even more.--
In this grave situation, We desire that in the public education of youth,
that part be reserved to the Church which has been divinely assigned to it.
All We can do is to exhort you to deal vigorously with this matter.
Meanwhile continue to admonish fathers again and again not to permit their
children to study and learn so as to threaten injury to their Catholic
faith. At the same time see to it that the schools which are under your or
the clergy's direction be commendable for their soundness of doctrine and
the uprightness of their teachers. This is to be understood not only of
primary schools, but also of those of higher learning.

9. With God-fearing generosity, and especially with the liberal
contributions of your kings and bishops, many noble institutions devoted to
the study of letters have been established. The memory of Cardinal Pazmany,
Archbishop of Esztergom, is still alive among you, not only as the founder
of the Catholic University at Budapest, but also as its generous patron. It
is inspiring to recall that he undertook so great a work out of the pure
and sincere motive of advancing the Catholic religion. King Ferdinand II
confirmed this when he said of its purpose that the truth of the Catholic
religion would remain unshaken where it flourished; where weakened, it
would be strengthened, and divine worship would be propagated everywhere.
We realize how diligently you have labored to ensure that these excellent
centers of study retain their original nature, the kind that their founders
intended, namely that they remain Catholic Institutions. Their household,
administration, and faculty are entirely under the control of the Church
and the bishops. Therefore We exhort you to continue to encourage this
noble and excellent venture. And you will succeed because of the goodness
of the Apostolic King and the prudent men in charge of the government;
also, what has been given to non-Catholic communities will not be denied to
the Catholic Church.--If the tenor of the times demands that some new
institutions are to be founded or old ones expanded, We have no doubt that
you will imitate the example of your fathers and their devotion to
religion. In fact We have received reports that you are already planning a
school for the training of teachers; this is an excellent plan, one worthy
of your wisdom and virtue. That you may accomplish it quickly with the
Lord's help is Our prayer and exhortation.

10. If the education of all youth in general contributes a great deal to
the true welfare of the state, this is much more true of the education of
those aiming at ordination. To this matter you must give special attention;
it should occupy the greater portion of your vigils and labors, since the
youths destined for orders are the hope and, as it were, the incomplete
form of future priests. You surely know how much the reputation of the
Church and the eternal salvation of her people depend on priests.--In the
education of clerics, two elements are absolutely necessary: learning for
the development of the mind and virtue for the perfection of the spirit. To
the ordinary humanistic subjects in which youths are educated must be added
Sacred and Canonical studies. Care must be taken that their content is
sound and everywhere pure, in full harmony with the documents of the Church
and eloquent, so that the priest may be able to exhort . . . even those who
contradict.--Holiness of life, without which knowledge puffs up and does
not edify, consists not only in good and honorable habits, but also in that
group of sacerdotal virtues which makes good priests exemplars of Jesus
Christ, the eternal High Priest. For this purpose there are sacred
seminaries. You have some for youths preparing for the priesthood and
others for the education of seminarians, all of them well-founded. Choose
teachers and spiritual directors for these institutions thoughtfully. They
should be men of sound doctrine and good morals, men to whom you can
confidently entrust a matter of such great importance. Choose rectors and
spiritual guides who are outstanding in prudence, counsel, and experience.
The common life and discipline should be so arranged by your authority that
not only will the students never offend against piety, but that there will
be an abundance of all aids which nourish piety. The students should thus
be encouraged to make daily progress in acquiring the sacerdotal virtues.
Your industrious and diligent labors in the education of priests will bear
much desirable fruit, making your episcopal office easier to administer and
producing a richer profit for all.

11. But it is necessary that your paternal care extend further, namely to
the assistance of priests in the exercise of their duties. Skillfully and
sweetly, as becomes your love, see to it that they are not exposed to
worldly temptations and that they are not led by selfish desires or concern
for secular affairs. See to it that they excel in virtue, providing an
example of deeds well-done. Further, see to it that they never fail in
their devotion to prayer and that they approach the sacred mysteries
spotlessly. When supported and strengthened by these defenses, they will
gladly fulfill their daily sacred duties and fittingly turn to the studious
cultivation of the spirits of their people, especially by the ministry of
word and sacraments.--But to renew the strength of soul which human
weakness does not allow to flourish constantly, nothing seems more
effective than that they retire from time to time to meditation, devoting
all of their time solely to God and themselves. This is the custom in other
places and has proven very successful. Furthermore you will easily and
spontaneously get to know the talents and the habits of individual priests
as you go about administering your dioceses. You will also learn what you
have to do by way of prohibition in this matter, and what evils have to be
eradicated. To do this and to save ecclesiastical discipline from
violation, you must use the just severity of canon law where necessary. All
must understand that both the priesthood and the various grades of dignity
are no more than a reward for useful labors. For this reason they are
reserved for those who have served the Church, who have labored in the care
of souls, and who are distinguished for their learning and the holiness of
their lives.

12. When the clergy is distinguished by these virtues, the people will
profit in no small measure, since they love the Church, are very devoted to
the ancestral religion, and easily and willingly submit to the directives
of their pastors.--However you must never fail to make sure that the
integrity of Catholic doctrine is preserved in the people and that
Evangelical discipline is retained in their actions, life and character.
Let frequent sacred retreats for the care of souls be undertaken. To direct
this work, choose men of tried virtue, animated by the spirit of Christ,
and inflamed with love of neighbor.--Well-written pamphlets to guard
against errors or to extirpate them should be widely disseminated. They
must be in accord with the truth and encourage virtue. Some societies have
already taken up this laudable proposal, with fruitful results. We wish
therefore that their number increase and that their success continue from
day to day.--Another thing We wish all of you to do, but especially those
of you who excel in learning, dignity, and authority, is that in both
private and public life, you be solicitous for the good name of religion.
Let the cause of the Church be more vigorously prosecuted under your
leadership. Let all present and future institutions founded to promote the
Catholic cause be willingly aided and increased.--In like manner you must
oppose certain false opinions, perversely proposed to safeguard each one's
dignity, but which are entirely contrary to the precepts and faith of
Christian customs and which open the door to many pernicious and criminal
acts.--Finally you must assiduously and vehemently oppose improper
organizations, particularly those which We have mentioned in our
encyclicals to other places, whose contagion must be averted by every
means. In this matter, We desire that you exercise care in proportion to
their number, power, and resources.

13. Urged by Our love, this is what We have to prescribe for you, venerable
brethren, and which We trust will be accepted by the whole nation of
Hungary with prompt obedience.--The fact that your forefathers triumphed so
magnificently over bitter foes at Budapest was not solely due to their
warlike fortitude, but also to the strength of religion. Just as in the
beginning religion gave birth to the strength and authority of a great
empire, so it also promises for the future prosperity at home and glory
abroad. All of these things, whether they are for your honor or for your
advantage, We desire for you, and We pray that you obtain them with the
assistance and under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God.
The kingdom of Hungary has been consecrated to her and received its name
from her. For the same reason We earnestly ask the aid of St. Stephen, who
has blessed your kingdom with every kind of gift for its glory and growth.
We have the certain hope that he will look down from heaven and guard you
with his strong patronage.

14. Relying on this hope, venerable brothers, We impart to you
individually, to the clergy, and to all your people, as a sign of heavenly
gifts and a proof of Our paternal good will, Our apostolic benediction.

Given at Rome at St. Peter's, August 22, 1886, in the ninth year of Our
pontificate.